Talei was unable to prevent Worcester being relegated

Fiji back-row forward Netani Talei and centre Alex Grove have joined Edinburgh from relegated Worcester Warriors.

Edinburgh have confirmed that 22-year-old Grove will spend next season on loan to improve his chances of being chosen for Scotland's World Cup squad.

And they have also now secured 27-year-old Talei, who has won 16 caps for Fiji, on a three-year contract.

Edinburgh's head coach Rob Moffat said: "We believe he'll give us that dynamic ball-carrying ability in the back-row."

Talei, who can play number eight or blindside flanker, has made 55 appearances for Worcester.

I'm looking forward to being part of an open style, which I think can suit my off-loading game Fiji forward Netani Talei

The forward helped Fiji reach the knockout stages of the last Rugby World Cup and returned to his homeland last week with the aim of being involved in the IRB's Pacific Nations Cup before meeting up with his new Edinburgh team-mates for pre-season training.

He told Edinburgh's website he was excited to be joining the Scottish outfit from the side who dropped out of the Guinness Premiership this season.

"It will be good for me to play in the Magners League and, of course, the Heineken Cup," said Talei, whose move is subject to work permit clearance.

"I just want to play some decent rugby and do my best for Edinburgh.

"I was at the club earlier this month and met up with Rob Moffat and I know that they play the same type of rugby that I want to play.

"I'm looking forward to being part of an open style, which I think can suit my off-loading game."

Grove will travel with Scotland on their Argentina tour

Moffat was pleased that there would be added competition for Nick De Luca, John Houston and Ben Cairns for an Edinburgh midfield berth following the arrival of Talei's Worcester team-mate.

Grove, who can also play at full-back, was born in Solihull but qualifies for Scotland through his grandfather, former Aston Villa and Birmingham City footballer and ex-West Brom manager Ron Wylie.

He made his international debut in November and expressed his gratitude to Worcester for their support in making the move after Scotland coach Andy Robinson advised him that his selection chances would be hampered while playing in England's second-tier.

"The move is to give me the best chance to continue my international career and it's a great opportunity to play with the quality backs in the Edinburgh team," said Grove.

"Edinburgh play a high-tempo game and I'd like to think that plays to my strengths."

Grove, who Worcester hope to have back in their ranks after the World Cup, will join his new club-mates for pre-season training after the Scotland tour of Argentina.

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